Latest news with #interprovincialBridge
CTV News
13 hours ago
- Business
- CTV News
Ottawa Liberal MP says proposed interprovincial bridge ‘does not meet Ottawa's needs'
An Ottawa Liberal MP is not onboard the proposed route for a new interprovincial bridge in Ottawa's east end, saying the bridge at Kettle Island 'does not meet Ottawa's needs' and will not remove trucks from the Lowertown neighbourhood. The Liberal government committed to building a new interprovincial bridge connecting Ottawa and Gatineau last December, which would connect Montée Paiement in Gatineau with the Aviation Parkway in Ottawa. The bridge would cross the Ottawa River at Kettle Island in Ottawa's east end. 'I believe that, to this day, we have yet to identify a comprehensive solution – particularly on the Ottawa side,' Mona Fortier, MP for Ottawa-Vanier-Gloucester, said in a letter to constituents. 'The eastern bridge project via Kettle Island – specifically the corridor between the Aviation Parkway and Montée Paiement does not meet Ottawa's needs. It does not guarantee the removal of heavy trucks from the King Edward corridor which is a crucial issue for safety, air quality, and traffic flow in the downtown core.' There are currently five interprovincial bridges in Ottawa, with the Macdonald-Cartier Bridge the only bridge on the eastern side of Ottawa. Fortier says Public Services and Procurement Canada did not consult with the Ontario Ministry of Transportation about 'the already overcapacity Highway 417' and the Highway 174 interchange in the east end. 'This new bridge cannot become a 'bridge to nowhere.' It must be part of a coherent, integrated, and sustainable regional solution that does not simply shift the problem into new communities,' Fortier writes. 'With an estimated cost between $3 and $4 billion, this project represents a major investment that does not offer clear or equitable benefits for our region. Furthermore, based on my many conversations with residents and numerous community associations, this project is not a priority.' Kettle Island Bridge map A map showing the location of the proposed Kettle Island Bridge over the Ottawa River. Jan. 30, 2025. (Kimberley Fowler/CTV News Ottawa) Fortier add studies conducted by the National Capital Commission and Public Services and Procurement Canada on the Kettle Island option 'have not demonstrated clear benefits' for Ottawa. 'It is time to shift the discussion toward a comprehensive solution that connects Highway 50 to the 417, addresses the issue of truck traffic in the downtown core, and ensures fair and respectful outcomes for all communities,' Fortier said. Mayor Mark Sutcliffe has said the proposed new interprovincial bridge is not a priority for the City of Ottawa, and encouraged the federal government to fund transit. The NCC launched public consultations last week on the proposed new interprovincial bridge, with an online survey available until July 10 'Your input will also inform the initial project description, which will be submitted to the Impact Assessment Agency of Canada as part of the federal Impact Assessment process,' the NCC said. According to the NCC, the feedback from residents will play a key role in identifying the project's 'most important benefits from a community perspective,' understanding 'potential impacts on people, places and the environment' and shaping the initial planning and design principles for the bridge. The survey asks participants to rank what topics are most important to them for the eastern bridge project: transportation and connectivity, community impacts and health, the environment and economic opportunities. Participants are also asked about their concerns for the interprovincial bridge project. The new bridge at Kettle Island could be completed between 2032 and 2034.
CTV News
04-06-2025
- General
- CTV News
Here's a look at the updated design for the new Alexandra Bridge connecting Ottawa, Gatineau
The railing is designed to be strong and secure, helping those who might find crossing bridges intimidating, while transparency is provided to allow all users to enjoy views. (NCC) An updated design concept for the new interprovincial bridge to replace the aging Alexandra Bridge over the Ottawa River has been released. In January, the National Capital Commission (NCC) and Public Services and Procurement Canada announced the chosen design for the interprovincial bridge connecting Ottawa and Gatineau over the Ottawa River. The concept is called 'Motion,' which is inspired by the American eel and features three arches. one primary arch and two secondary arches. In a video posted to YouTube on Tuesday, the NCC unveiled updates to the preferred concept to replace the Alexandra Bridge, saying it 'takes into consideration feedback from public consultations, Indigenous communities and advisory committees.' Alexandra Bridge Replacement - Project Update The bridge features seating areas, sheltered nooks, shading structures and wind protection. (NCC) The NCC says key elements of the updated bridge design include safety and separation of modes of transportation, furnishings and seasonal comfort, universal access and shoreline connectivity. 'The bridge has been designed to ensure a seamless connection between the cities of Ottawa and Gatineau for pedestrians, cyclists and drivers,' the NCC said. 'The seating zone below the arches and the wind screen provide continuous separation between the cycleway and pedestrian deck. Bollards demarcate the cycleway at the lookout spaces.' Alexandra Bridge Replacement - Project Update The bridge features lookout spaces offering uninterrupted views of the river and the central capital scene. (NCC) Alexandra Bridge Replacement - Project Update The cycleway provides a smooth, straight route across the river, where a concrete safety barrier keeps cyclists separated from vehicles. (NCC) Alexandra Bridge Replacement - Project Update At four locations along the bridge—at the ends and at the public spaces—there are locations for cyclists to dismount and safely enter the pedestrian path.(NCC) The NCC says the bridge will feature 'several comfortable seating areas' designed for pedestrians and wheelchair users, along with 'sheltered nooks' under the arches. 'The lookout spaces could feature generous seating areas and central lookout points, offering uninterrupted views of the river and the central capital scene,' the NCC says on its website. 'Key seating locations along the bridge would similarly provide sheltered enjoyment of national symbols.' Alexandra Bridge Replacement - Project Update The bridge's form is defined by three undulating arches that reference the river's moving water, the contours of the shoreline and escarpment, and the curved facade of the Canadian Museum of History. (NCC) The updates to ensure universal access to the bridge include every access point to the bridge deck being 'level to allow those requiring mobility aids to navigate them easily.' 'The design of the new bridge will present a significant acoustic improvement compared to that of the existing Alexandra Bridge,' the NCC says. 'The new continuous asphalt roadway will be more beneficial than the open steel grillage roadway on the existing bridge, reducing overall noise emissions and creating a quieter, more comfortable environment for all users, including individuals with sensory sensitivities or hearing impairments.' Alexandra Bridge Replacement - Project Update The pathways along the shorelines connect users to Confederation Boulevard. (NCC) For shoreline connectivity, the NCC says the proposed bridge 'approaches are positioned sensitively on the river's shorelines and escarpment, maintaining a cohesive, green, connected corridor, while also enhancing existing pathways and supporting the development of new connections.' Alexandra Bridge Replacement - Project Update The bridge has been designed with continuous separation between drivers and the cycleway and pedestrian deck. (NCC) The NCC says the designer will further adapt the preferred concept of the bridge. Residents are invited to provide feedback on the updated preferred design concept on the NCC's website. The deconstruction of the existing Alexandra Bridge and the construction of the new bridge are scheduled for between 2028 and 2032.
